Cancer treatment ' transfer off island

Summary

The request sought the policy on free transfer trips for cancer patients treated off the Isle of Man. The authority disclosed that patients are normally funded for one return visit home every two weeks, with individual consideration for more frequent trips.

Key Facts

• Patients requiring extended treatment in the UK are normally funded for one return visit to the Island every 2 weeks.
• If a patient does not wish to return home, a friend or relative may be funded to visit the patient in the UK every 2 weeks.
• Funding for visitor trips includes one return journey and accommodation costs for up to 2 nights per visit.
• Requests for journeys at intervals more frequent than every 2 weeks are assessed on an individual basis.
• The policy details are published on the Department of Health and Social Care website.

Data Disclosed

• 2 weeks
• 1 return visit
• 2 nights
• 2019-08-01
• 2019-08-13
• 910158

Original Request

What is the current policy where cancer patients need transfer off island for treatment regarding how many free transfer trips they are entitled to per month?

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

Interim Chief Executive: Angela Murray Freedom of Information Team DHSC Crookall House Demesne Road Douglas IM4 4RJ

(01624) 642621 dhsc@foi.gov.im Website: www.gov.im/dhsc

Our ref: 910158 13th August 2019

Dear ###

We write further to your request which was received on the 1st August 2019 and states:

"What is the current policy where cancer patients need transfer off island for treatment regarding how many free transfer trips they are entitled to per month?"

Our response to your request is as follows: The policy is stated on our website:- “Patients in the UK for extended periods” If a patient has to spend an extended period in the UK, and they wish to visit home in between treatment, then we will normally fund one return visit to the Island after every 2 weeks that they remain a patient in the UK. Alternatively, if the patient cannot or does not wish to visit the Island during the treatment period, and they are not accompanied by a funded escort whilst in the UK, then we will normally fund a visit to the UK by a friend or relative after each 2 weeks that the person has remained as a patient in the UK. Funding for each such trip will normally be for one return journey (by air or sea at the request of the visitor) and payment of the contribution towards accommodation costs for up to 2 nights per visit. Funding for each element of these trips would be similar to that applicable for patients and escorts detailed in the preceding section. You should ask the Patient Transfer Office for advice about visits home, or for someone to visit you in the UK, if you envisage a stay of two weeks or more in the UK for medical care.”. Here is the link https://www.gov.im/categories/health-and-wellbeing/patient-transfers/

This policy makes it plain that the starting point is a visit home every 2 weeks. However, as also stated, the patient should contact the Patient Transfer Office for advice if they envisage an extended period of treatment in the UK. Any request for journeys home at more frequent intervals would be looked at individually. Please quote the reference number 910158 in any future communications.

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I will now close your request as of this date.

Yours sincerely